Marítimo have conceded in eight straight Liga rounds, and the numbers around them are getting worse rather than steadier. They are 13th, with 8 points from 9 matches, a -10 goal difference and 19 goals already against them. Mitchell van der Gaag's side are not dealing with a one-off wobble, they are carrying a long defensive problem.
Marítimo's defensive record
The clean-sheet count tells the story quickly. Marítimo have kept only one in the league, in the opening round against Casa Pia when they won 1-0. Since then, the goals against column has kept climbing, and they have also conceded in the Taça de Portugal.
A Bola's account of the run is blunt enough. Mitchell van der Gaag said the back line has conceded goals in eight of the nine Liga rounds and has accumulated individual mistakes. That matches the broader pattern in the league alone, where Marítimo gave up 11 goals in the first six rounds.
The reshuffle has not stopped the slide
From the 7th round onwards, the new defensive setup still saw Marítimo concede 8 goals in three matches. Against Vitória de Guimarães, two goals came directly from individual errors. That is a poor outcome even before looking at the table, because the change in structure has not reduced the pressure on the back line.
The concern is not just that Marítimo are conceding. It is when and how often it is happening, across league and cup, with no sign that the recent changes have solved the problem. Their season so far has left them with 19 goals against, 8 points and a -10 goal difference after 9 matches, and the next league round will not make that record disappear.
Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
